This program is introducing the mystery of old Hanoi, the magnificence of Ha Long Bay, the historic Center and the tropical evergreen South. It’s the perfect introduction to one of Asia’s most fascinating cultures.
Tour type: Private Tour
Departure date: daily departure subject to traveler's schedule and availability
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
Today we commence our exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum. We continue to his humble “house on stilts”, see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of VN, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings.
After lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature, the first Vietnam University dating to 1070. We then take a Cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a famous Water Puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L)
We take a three-hour scenic drive crossing paddy-fields and villages in the Red river delta to Halong Bay. On arrival, we get in boat for a fantastic cruise on the emerald green waters of the Bay (approx. 4 hours). We will enjoy lunch with fresh seafood while having a cool drink before leave the boat to see the Heavenly Palace Grotto and Driftwood cave, one of the highlights around the Bay.
Overnight in Halong
Day 4: Halong - Bac Ninh - Hanoi (B)
The morning is free for our own discovery of Halong city.
On the way back to Hanoi in the afternoon, we visit the Due Dong village in Bac Ninh province, where Quan Ho singing was born in about the 16th century. Here, in the 200-year-old communal house, we enjoy a romantic Quan Ho performance by the star singers of the village for 1 hour. Come back Hanoi in late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Hue (B)
A short domestic flight takes you from Hanoi to Hue, the ancient Imperial city. In the afternoon we begin to see the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors under Nguyen Dynasty. We then drive outskirts of Hue to the impressive tomb of King Khai Dinh.
Overnight in Hue
Day 6: Hue – Hoi An (B)
This morning we take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River. We stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the 7-storey octagonal tower and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue tour by boat to Minh Mang Tomb built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor’s tomb complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions etc) designed on a symmetric axis.
This afternoon we travel by road over spectacular Hai Van pass to Hoi An ancient town.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An (B)
In the morning, we will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful local markets.
The afternoon is free to relax or hire a bicycle to ride to the nearby beach.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh city - Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
In the early morning we transfer to Danang airport to fly to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, we take a half-day city tour. We explore city’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the Re-Unification Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
We leave Saigon after lunch to Cu Chi tunnels, an incredible underground system covering nearly 250km, was shelter to over 16,000 communist guerrillas during the war. Come back Ho Chi Minh city in late afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Day 9: Mekong Delta (B/ L)
After breakfast we travel out of Ho Chi Minh city and spend full day floating through waterways on an exploration of the lush Mekong Delta region. Upon arrival Vinh Long province, we will boat through the lush green vegetations of the canals to an orchard, where you leave boat for a delicious lunch complete with a local delicacy – the Elephant’s Eye Fish. Continue taking a boat trip to Cai Be floating market which offers great insight into the daily lives of the locals along the rivers and canals. We also visit a snake farm in My Tho on the way back.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh city Departure (B)
Free at your leisure until transfer to airport for your return flight.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Price is in US$ for per person. Price depends on your group size and tour grade of your chosen.
Please contact tour operator for the exact price of your group.
Price Inclusions:
- Private boat trips on Halong Bay, Perfume River and Mekong Delta
- 9 night accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basic
- 9 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L) as shown in the itinerary
- Domestic flights (economy class): Hanoi- Hue, Danang – Saigon
- Local English speaking guide
- Private air conditioned transportation includes pick up and drop off at airport
- Sightseeing fees.
Price Exclusions: Visa, International Flights to Vietnam, Drink, Tips, Personal Expenses.
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Vietnam
Cultural Journey
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